1 Timothy 5:4 - Exposition

Hath for have, A.V.; grandchildren for nephews, A.V.; towards their own family for at home, A.V.; this for that, A.V.; acceptable in the sight of for good and acceptable before, A.V. and T.R. Grandchildren ( ἔκγονα ; only here in the New Testament, but common in the LXX . and in classical Greek); descendants, children or grandchildren (as on the other hand, πρόγονοι in this verse includes grandparents as well as parents). In Latin nepotes, "descendants;" nos neveux (in French), "our descendants;" and so the English word "nephews" (derived from nepos, through the French neveu) properly means, and is commonly so used in all old English writers, as e.g. in Holinshed (Richardson's Dictionary), "their nephews, or sons' sons, which reigned in the third place." Locke's phrase, "a nephew by a brother," seems to show the transition to the modern use of "nephew." But as the old meaning of "nephews" is now obsolete, it is better to substitute "grandchildren," as in the R.V. Let them learn. Clearly "the children or grandchildren" is the subject. To show piety towards ( εὐσεβεῖν ). In the only other passage in the New Testament where this word occurs, Acts 17:23 , it has also an accusative of the person—"whom ye worship." In classical Greek also εὐσεβεῖν τινα is used as well as εἰς , or περὶ , or πρὸς τινα .. Their own family , of which the widowed mother or grandmother formed a part. The force of τὸν ἴδον οἷκον , "their own family," lies in the implied contrast with the Church. As long as a widow has members of her own house who are able to support her, the Church ought net to be burdened (see Acts 17:16 ). To requite ( ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδίδοναι ); literally, to give back the return or exchange due. ἀμοιβή is only found here in the New Testament, but is not uncommon in the LXX ., and is much used in the best classical authors. The πρόγονοι had nourished and cared for them in their childhood; they must requite that care by honoring and supporting them in their old age. This is acceptable ( ἀπόδεκτον ); only here in the New Testament or LXX ., and rarely if ever in classical Greek. The same idea is expressed in 1 Timothy 1:15 , by πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος , and in 1 Peter 2:19 , 1 Peter 2:20 , by χάρις τοῦτο χάρις παρὰ θεῷ , "This is acceptable with God."